This was such a nice surprise! I wasn't expecting a top down shooter-esque game to become a narrative about the importance of effort and trials, that was really special! I think I especially needed to play this as someone who can get comfortable in my style and rarely branch out in what I try out. Thanks for making this! I wanted to the main non-narrative mechanic I really appreciated. I loved when the boomerang did more damage on return, that was a fantastic mechanic that encouraged thoughtful gameplay.
Some quick feedback on what refinements I think you could make. I think the level of polish is excellent, the game is very juicy, just be careful not to swing too far in that direction. I think the main thing that stuck out was the screenshake, it was a bit much as a viewer. The other thing I would improve is the information telegraphed by the enemies. Because their art is so simple, just a sprite flipping, it's super hard to read their attacks leading to frustration and I eventually gave up trying to dodge attack, opting to just take the hit and kill them faster. If ignoring an enemy attack is easier than actively engaging with it, it needs some tweaking. That's all the feedback I have! keep refining all the little things and you've got the start to a great personal style! One of the most creative entries I've played, keep up the great work and keep making games!